Scripture – Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While He was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over His head.
Some of those at the table were indignant. “Why waste such expensive perfume?” they asked. “It could have been sold for a year’s wages and the money given to the poor!” So they scolded her harshly.
But Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing such a good thing to Me? You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have Me. She has done what she could and has anointed My body for burial ahead of time. I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.” (Mark 14:3-9)
Devotion – As we contemplate the events of Holy Wednesday, we are drawn to the beautiful and worshipful act of the woman who anointed Jesus with precious perfume in Bethany. This act of devotion was not only generous but also deeply personal and sacrificial. By pouring the expensive perfume on Jesus, the woman displayed her understanding of His divine nature and the imminent sacrifice He would make.
Her actions remind us that true worship often involves giving our best to the Lord, in recognition of His infinite worth. The outpouring of the perfume symbolizes the outpouring of her love and reverence for Jesus. Despite criticism from others, she remained focused and unwavering in her commitment to honor Him, setting an example of wholehearted devotion.
Reflection Questions:
- What can we learn from the woman’s willingness to give something valuable to honor Jesus?
- How can we demonstrate our devotion to Jesus in our daily lives, even when others may not understand or appreciate it?
- In what ways can we offer our best to Christ today, reflecting the sacrificial love shown by the woman?
Prayer – Lord, as we think about the devotion of the woman who anointed You, help us to understand the depth of true worship. May we be inspired to give our best to You, recognizing Your infinite worth. Help us to live our lives as offerings of love and reverence, unwavering in our commitment to honor You. Guide our hearts to be focused on You, just as the woman’s was, holding nothing back. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Followup Worship Activity – In your journal or on a piece of paper, make a list of the possessions you hold most dear in life. Ask yourself whether you would be willing to give them to the Lord if He led you to do so. Write out a prayer to the Lord, committing to Him that He is more important to you than any of these items.
*This post was originally written for “The Week that Changed Everything,” a Holy Week devotional by Celebration Church New Orleans.
**Photo courtesy of Matt Botsford
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